The students from Qatar joined youth from around the world in carrying the FIFA flag on the pitch before kick-off in the competition’s two semi-finals. (Picture by Cathrin Mueller - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Text Size:AAA

Six young stars from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) sport and community programmes have taken centre stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 at the invitation of the Wanda Group, an official global partner of world football’s governing body, FIFA.

The high school students were given the opportunity to participate in the ‘FIFA flag bearers’ programme, which saw them join youth from around the world in carrying the FIFA flag on the pitch before kick-off in the competition’s two semi-finals, played in the French city of Lyon.
The Wanda Group has rights to FIFA’s Youth Programme at every one of the governing body’s tournaments, selecting children to be FIFA flag bearers during the pre-match ceremonies.

During the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France semi-final between England and the US at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France. (Picture by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Wanda bench selfie after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France semi-final between the Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France. (Picture by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Chinese conglomerate and QF are set to continue working closely together through their shared focus on youth empowerment, cultural exchange and inspiring young people through sport, according to a press statement.
During their time in France, the students from Qatar – Fatima al-Naimi, Alya al-Naimi, Haya al-Naimi, Farah Mohamed, Nihad Rizal and Shameem Taha – also toured the city and took part in QF-hosted activities.
Alya said, “As a Qatari, I’m proud of my country because it is going to be hosting a World Cup, and I’m very happy and excited to have been in France for the Women’s World Cup.”